Endoscope apparatus

ABSTRACT

An endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in at least an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion opening which is at one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shape detection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elements which are to be passed and arranged in the treatment tool passage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, an insertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted from the shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, an insertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shape detection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertion shape from the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device for displaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on the video signals output from the insertion shape detection device.

CROSS REFEERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/209,199filed on Jul. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,065, the entire contentsof which is incorporated herein by its reference.

This application claims benefit of Japanese Applications No. 2001-235425filed on Aug. 2, 2001, and No. 2001-239754 filed on Aug. 7, 2001, thecontents of which are incorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus in which theshape of endoscope insertion portion can be confirmed.

2. Description of the Related Art

Endoscopes have recently come into wide use in the fields of medicaltreatment and industry. In endoscopes with a flexible insertion portion,this insertion portion can be inserted into curved body cavities.Inserting the insertion portion into a body cavity makes it possible toconduct diagnostics of organs on the deep part of the body cavity,without surgery, or to conduct, if necessary, the treatment such asremoval of polyps by passing a treatment tool through a passage channelof the endoscope.

However, when examination inside the colon is conducted by passing anendoscope with an elongated endoscope, for example, through the anus,certain skills are required for smoothly inserting the insertion portioninto the curved body cavity. This is because, the shape of the insertedportion of the endoscope, for example, the distal end of the endoscopeinside the body cavity, cannot be determined.

In order to make it possible to determine the shape of the insertedportion of the endoscope, a section which is not transparent to X rayscan be provided on the insertion portion, this section allowing theinsertion shape of the endoscope to be grasped by irradiating X ray. Inother words, the detection of the distal end position or curved shape ofthe insertion portion inside a body cavity can be detected byirradiating the body with X rays.

However, endoscope shape detectors using X rays have a large size, andsufficiently large examination rooms are required to accommodate suchdevices. Furthermore, during endoscopic examination, the operator has toconduct the operation of X ray irradiation in addition to the endoscopeoperation. As a result, the burden on the operator is increased.Furthermore, frequent irradiation with X rays increases the radiationdose and can be dangerous for both the patient and the operator. Withthe foregoing in view, detecting the shape of the insertion portion ofthe endoscope by using X rays is not necessarily the desirable method.

For this reason, an insertion portion shape detection device has beensuggested in which an insertion shape detection probe provided, forexample, with a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, and amagnetic field detector are used, the insertion shape detection probe ispassed into and arranged in a passage channel provided in the endoscope,signals from the magnetic field detection elements are received by thedetection device arranged outside, and the shape of the inserted portionof the endoscope is displayed on the screen of the detection device.

However, in order to detect accurately the shape of the insertionportion by passing and arranging the insertion shape detection probe inthe treatment tool passage channel, a small-diameter insertion shapedetection probe has to be formed and a plurality of elements and signallines extending from those elements have to be arranged in the insertionshape detection probe.

In the conventional process for forming the insertion shape detectionprobe, a plurality of elements and signal lines are arranged inside atube and then the inside of the tube is filled, for example, withsilicon as a solvent. Accordingly, the manufacturing process isdifficult and time consuming. Moreover, unfavorable effects such asnonuniform arrangement of signal lines during filling with the solventcould be a problem.

When a shape detection probe with desired specifications could not bemanufactured because of nonuniform arrangement of signal lines and acurving or twisting operation is conducted with such an insertion shapedetection probe arranged in the treatment tool passage channel, thesignal lines located inside the tube could be stretched and ruptured.

Furthermore, the insertion shape detection probe is not fixed withrespect to the treatment tool passage channel. As a result, movement ofthe insertion shape detection probe inside the treatment tool passagechannel could make impossible the accurate detection of the insertionportion shape. Moreover, when the operation of twisting the insertionportion or bending the curved section is conducted, there is a risk ofthe insertion shape detection probe protruding from the distal endsurface of the endoscope. Accordingly, the insertion procedure isimplemented by moving the distal end of the insertion shape detectionprobe to the operating end by a prescribed distance from the prescribedposition inside the treatment tool passage channel and preventing theprotrusion thereof. For this reason, too, there is a possibility thataccurate detection of the insertion portion shape could not beconducted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscopeapparatus in which the detection of the insertion portion shape can beconducted with a high accuracy by passing and arranging an insertionshape detection probe in the treatment tool passage channel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an insertion shapedetection probe that has excellent assembling ability and durability.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adaptorfor an endoscope forceps opening by which positioning of the treatmenttool passed into the treatment tool passage channel can be reliablyconducted and, if necessary, changing of the treatment tool position canbe conducted in a stepwise manner.

The endoscope apparatus in accordance with the present inventioncomprises an endoscope having a treatment tool passage channel in atleast an insertion portion, an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening,which can be detachably attached to a treatment tool insertion openingat one end of the treatment tool passage channel, an insertion shapedetection probe provided with a plurality of shape detection elementswhich are to be passed through and arranged in the treatment toolpassage channel via the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening, aninsertion shape detection unit for detecting magnetic field emitted fromthe shape detection elements of the insertion shape detection probe, aninsertion shape detection device which drives the insertion shapedetection probe and outputs video signals for visualizing the insertionshape based on the signals corresponding to the magnetic field detectedby the insertion shape detection unit, and a display device fordisplaying the insertion shape of the insertion portion based on thevideo signals output from the insertion shape detection device.Therefore, detection of the insertion portion shape can be conductedwith a high accuracy by passing the insertion shape detection probe intothe treatment tool passage channel.

The above and other object, features and advantages of the inventionwill become more clearly understood from the following descriptionreferring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an insertion portion shape detection device;

FIG. 2 illustrates an insertion shape detection probe;

FIG. 3A is a sectional view illustrating the structure of source coilsand core wire;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view along the 3B—3B line in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement positions of source coils that arearranged inside the outer sheath and the winding state of signal lineswound along the core wire;

FIG. 5A illustrates signal lines passing through the source coil at thedistal end side and signal lines extending from this source coil;

FIG. 5B illustrates signal lines passing through the source coilpositioned in the intermediate portion and signal lines extending fromthis source coil;

FIG. 6A illustrates split grooves formed in the end portions of innersheaths;

FIG. 6B illustrates another configuration example of split grooves;

FIG. 7A illustrates action of slit grooves in the longitudinal axialdirection;

FIG. 7B is a sectional view along the 7B—7B line in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the gap between the source coil andinner sheath is covered with a thermally shrinkable tube;

FIG. 9A illustrates the adhesive layer in the longitudinal axialdirection;

FIG. 9B is a sectional view along the 9B—9B line in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration example of an inner sheath arrangedon the proximal end side of the source coil fixed on the proximal endside;

FIG. 11 is a configuration example of the outer sheath;

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of arrangement orientation of thesource coil;

FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the endoscope;

FIG. 14 illustrates structural components of the adaptor for endoscopeforceps opening;

FIG. 15 illustrates the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening;

FIG. 16 is a view from the direction shown by an arrow 16 of the adaptorfor endoscope forceps opening shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17A illustrates a state in which the adaptor for endoscope forcepsopening is mounted on the forceps plug;

FIG. 17B illustrates a state in which the treatment tool is passed viathe adaptor for endoscope forceps opening and the pressing member istightened;

FIG. 17C illustrates a state in which the treatment tool positionchanging member is arranged on the front surface of the adaptor linkingmember;

FIG. 18 illustrates structural components of the adaptor for endoscopeforceps opening;

FIG. 19A illustrates a state prior to installation of the adaptor forendoscope forceps opening;

FIG. 19B illustrates the adaptor for endoscope forceps opening installedon the forceps socket;

FIG. 19C illustrates a state in which the treatment tool is one-stepmoved from the position shown in FIG. 19B to the distal end side; and

FIG. 19D illustrates a state in which the treatment tool is two-stepmoved from the position shown in FIG. 19B to the distal end side.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 2 using an insertion shapedetection probe 1 of the present embodiment is composed mainly of anendoscope 3, a video processor 4, a monitor 5 which is a display device,a bed 6 for insertion shape detection, an insertion shape detectiondevice 7, a monitor 8 which is a display device, and an adaptor 9 forendoscope forceps (referred to hereinbelow as adaptor).

The endoscope 3 comprises an image pickup element (not shown in thefigures) and is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, for example,through the anus for observing an observation zone. The video sensor 4generates a video signal from the image pickup signal transmitted by theendoscope 3 that has picked up the image. The motor 5 receives the imagesignal output from the video processor 4 and displays the insertionportion shape image. The patient lies on the bed 6 for insertion shapedetection and the bed senses the magnetic field from the insertion shapedetection probe 1. The insertion shape detection device 7 drives theinsertion shape detection probe 1 and outputs a video signal thatvisualizes the insertion shape of the endoscope 3 inside the body cavityfrom the signal corresponding to the magnetic field detected by the bed6 for insertion shape detection. The monitor 8 displays the insertionportion shape that was output from the insertion shape detection device7. The adaptor 9 is mounted on the below-described treatment toolinsertion opening denoted by the reference symbol 14 and allows anoperation of attaching the treatment tool in the prescribed state and anoperation of changing stepwise the position of the treatment tool to beperformed.

The endoscope 3 comprises an insertion portion 11, an operation unit 12serving also as a gripping portion, and a universal cord 13 connected toan external device such as the video processor 4 or the like. Theinsertion portion 11 has a thin elongated shape allowing the portion tobe inserted into a body cavity. The operation unit 12 is connected tothe proximal end side of the insertion portion 11. The universal cord 13extends from the side part of the operation unit 12.

The insertion shape detection probe 1 is inserted into and arrangedinside a treatment tool passage channel 15 via the adaptor 9 arranged inthe treatment tool insertion opening 14 provided in the operation unit12 of the endoscope 3. For example, a plurality of source coils 21,which are magnetic field generation elements that generate magneticfield, are arranged as shape detection elements in the insertion shapedetection probe 1. The insertion shape detection probe 1 is connected tothe insertion shape detection device 7 via the connector portion 22.

On the other hand, a plurality of sensor coils 6 a, which are themagnetic field sensing elements representing the insertion shapedetection portions that sense the magnetic filed generated by the sourcecoils 21, are arranged in the bed 6 for insertion shape detection. Thebed 6 for insertion shape detection and insertion shape detection device7 are connected with a cable 7 a. Therefore, signals sensed by thesensor coils 6 a are transmitted to the insertion shape detection device7 via the cable 7 a.

The insertion shape detection device 7 comprises a source coil driveunit (not shown in the figure) for driving the source coils 21, a sourcecoil position analysis unit (not shown in the figure) for analyzing thethree-dimensional position coordinates of the source coils 21 from thesignals transmitted by the sensor coils 6 a, an insertion shape imagegeneration unit (not shown in the figures) for calculating thethree-dimensional shape of the insertion portion 11 from thethree-dimensional position coordinate information of the source coils21, converting them into two-dimensional coordinates for monitordisplay, and visualizing.

The structure of the insertion shape detection probe 1 will be describedhereinbelow in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3B, the insertion shape detection probe 1 ismainly composed of an outer sheath 20, a plurality of source coils 21A,. . . , 21L, a thin long core wire 23, and tubular inner sheaths 24. Theouter sheath 20 is to be passed inside the treatment tool passagechannel 15 constituting a sheathing. The plurality of source coils 21A,. . . 21L are hollow. The core wire 23 is adhesively fixed to the sourcecoils 21A, . . . , 21L. The inner sheaths 24 are arranged in series withrespective source coils 21A, . . . , 21L. In other words, the sourcecoils 21A, . . . , 21L and inner sheaths 24 are arranged alternately inseries in the order of source coil 21A, inner sheath 24, source coil21B, . . . .

Further, the insertion shape detection probe 1 of the presentembodiment, for example, comprises twelve source coils. The source coilat the distal end will be referred to as a first source coil 21A,followed by the second source coil 21B, . . . , twelfth source coil 21L.

Furthermore, signal lines 26 for transmitting drive signals areconnected to one end of source coils 21A, . . . , 21L. Accordingly,signal lines extending from the source coils 21A, . . . , 21L will bereferred to as signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L. The reference numeral 27denotes a distal end piece disposed at the distal end of outer sheath20.

In the present embodiment, the outer coating of the outer sheath 20,inner sheaths 24, and signal lines 26 is made of Teflon (registeredtrade name). Teflon (registered trade name) cannot be fixed with anadhesive and this specific property thereof is used herein. When fixingwith an adhesive is conducted, the bonding surface is roughened bypretreatment and tetraetching is conducted so that the adhesive canstick thereto.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the source coil 21 is composed of a hollow coremember 31 having an axial through hole 31 a, a winding 32 wound on thecore member 31, and a core substrate 33 shaped almost as a donut andprovided on an end surface side of the core member 31. The source coils21 are fixed to the core wire 23 in the prescribed positions with anadhesive. The winding 32 is electrically connected to the core substrate33, and the signal line 26 is electrically connected thereto, forexample, with a solder. Further, the reference numeral 34 stands for anadhesive agent layer protecting the substrate pattern surface containingthe solder.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the core wire 23 disposed inside the axial throughhole 31 a is composed of three linear shape memory alloy wires 23 aarranged parallel each other. The diameter of the circumscribed circleformed by the three linear shape memory alloy wires 23 a constitutingthe core wire 23 is made almost equal to the inner diameter of the axialthrough opening 31 a. Strictly speaking, the circumscribed circle has asomewhat smaller diameter than the inner diameter of axial throughopening 31 a.

As a result, because the source coils 21 are passed through the corewire 23, the core member 31 assumes a position in which it is supportedin three points by the shape memory alloy wires 23 a and shaking can beprevented. Moreover, the axial line of core wire 23 and the axial lineof the source coils 21 can be maintained in a parallel positionalrelationship. With an adhesive coated in such an attached state, thesource coils 21 are reliably bonded and fixed to the core wire 23 in theprescribed state. Therefore, assembling ability is improved.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the source coils 21A, . . . , 21L fixed to thecore wire 23, spacing between the elements differs depending on the zonein which they are arranged. The source coils 21A, 21B, 21C constitute agroup of curved section shape detection elements for obtaining shapedata on an insertion portion curved section 11 a and are disposed in theinsertion portion curved section 11 a which is curved at a smallcurvature radius (see FIG. 1). The source coils 21D, . . . , 21Lconstitute a group of flexible tube section shape detection elements forobtaining shape data on an insertion portion flexible tube section 11 band are disposed in the insertion portion flexible tube section 11 bwhich is curved at a comparatively large curvature radius (see FIG. 1).More specifically, a pitch (denoted as P1 in the figure) between thesource coils 21A, 21B, 21C is set, for example, for 30 mm, and a pitch(denoted as P2 in the figure) between the source coils 21D, . . . , 21Lis set, for example, for 100 mm.

As a result, the inner sheath 24 arranged in series at the proximal endsides of the source coils 21A, 21B will be referred to as an innersheath 24S corresponding to a pitch of 30 mm. Further, the inner sheath24 arranged in series at the proximal end sides of source coils 21D, . .. , 21K will be referred to as an inner sheath 24L corresponding to apitch of 100 mm. The inner sheath 24 arranged in series at the proximalend side of source coil 21L and also acting to provide firmness to theproximal end side of the outer sheath 20 will be referred to as an innersheath 24R (see FIG. 2). The inner sheath 24 arranged in series at thedistal end side of the source coil 21A and also acting to providefirmness to the distal end side of the outer sheath 20 will be referredto as an inner sheath 24F (see FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 5B, signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L connectedto respective source coils 21A, . . . , 21L pass inside the innersheaths 24S, 24L, 24R arranged at the proximal end portions ofrespective source coils 21A, . . . , 21L and extend to the proximal endside. Signal lines 26A, . . . , 26K that pass through the inner sheaths24S, 24L and are led out from the proximal end side are again led intothe inner sheaths 24S, 24L, 24R through the side peripheral surface ofsource coils 21B, . . . , 21L and extend to the proximal end side.Therefore, a large number of signal lines pass inside the inner sheaths24L, 24R positioned on the proximal end side.

Those signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L passing inside the inner sheaths24S, 24L, 24R are coiled with the prescribed looseness along the corewire 23. This is done to prevent the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L frombeing stretched and ruptured when the insertion shape detection probe 1is bent.

More specifically, signal lines 26A, 26B wound among the source coils21A, 21B, 21C arranged in the insertion portion curved section 11 awhich is curved at a small curvature radius are wound 5-6 times with asufficient looseness on the core wire 23. By contrast, signal lines 26A,. . . , 26L wound between the source coils 21D, . . . , 21L arranged inthe insertion portion flexible tube section 11 b which is bent at acomparatively large curvature radius are wound 2-3 times with a certainlooseness on the core wire 23.

As shown in FIG. 6, from 2 to 4 slit grooves 24 a are formed in the endportions of the inner sheaths 24S, 24L, 24R so as to prevent a pluralityof signal lines 26 from being arranged on one side only and also toprevent the signal lines 26 led into (or led out from) the inner sheaths24S, 24L, 24R from being bent sharply.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7A, when signal lines 26A, . . . , 26H areled out from the inside of the inner sheath 24L, which is positioned ata distal end side, for example, toward the source coil 21K of the groupof flexible tube section shape detection elements, those signal lines26A, . . . , 26H are led out from respective slit grooves 24 a towardthe side peripheral surface of source coil 21K. As a result, the angleof the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26H, which are being led out, withrespect to the axial direction is obtuse.

Further, when the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26H that have been passedthrough the side peripheral surface of source coil 21K are again ledinto the inner sheath 24L positioned at the proximal end side, thesignal lines 26A, . . . , 26H are led in from the inner side surface ofthe source coil 21K toward the slit groove 24 a. As a result, the angleof the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26H, which are being led in, withrespect to the axial direction is obtuse.

On the other hand, by leading the plurality of signal lines 26A, . . . ,26H, which pass inside the inner sheath 24L, dispersedly from theprescribed slit groove 24 a to the source coil 21K, it is possible todisperse the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26H uniformly with respect to theside peripheral surface of the source coil 21K, as shown in FIG. 7B.

As a result of the above-described features, the signal lines can bedispersedly arranged in a uniform manner on the side peripheral surfaceof source coils and the diameter of the signal lines can be shortened.Moreover, breakage of signal lines caused by rapid rising thereof in thevicinity of the end surface of source coil can be prevented andendurance of the signal lines can be improved.

Further, providing curved surface portions 24 b at the bottom of theslit grooves 24 a, as shown in FIG. 6B, makes it possible to prevent theouter layer, which is the cover of signal lines 26 that are led out (orled in) from the slit grooves 24 a, from being damaged at the edge ofthe slit grooves 24 a.

As shown in FIG. 8, an integrated structure is obtained with a thin-wallthermally shrinkable tube 40 which coats the source coil 21 and innersheath 24S and to eliminate gaps between the source coils 21 and innersheath 24S. More specifically, the thermally shrinkable tube 40 coversthe side peripheral surface of the source coils 21 where the signallines 26 are arranged, those source coils constituting a group of curvedsection shape detection elements, and also covers the end portion of theinner sheath 24S where the slit grooves 24 a are formed, through whichthe signal lines 26 are led out, and the end portion of the inner sheath24 where the slit grooves 24 a are formed through which the signal lines26 are led in.

The source coils and signal lines arranged on the side peripheralsurface of the source coils are thus integrated and fixed. Moreover, thesignal lines led out or led in from the slit grooves are prevented frombeing exposed, and contact between the signal lines and outer sheathduring assembly or usage is also prevented. Thus, endurance duringassembly or usage can be improved.

Further, since the integrated structure is obtained by covering thesource coils and the inner sheaths adjacent thereto with a thermallyshrinkable tube, the shrinking action of the thermally shrinkable tubeproduces an effect of a fracture-arresting member, and buckling in thejoint zone of the source coils and inner sheaths can be avoided.Moreover, forming a parallel configuration in the longitudinal axialdirection can improve assembling ability.

On the other hand, FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show an integrated structureobtained by providing an adhesive layer 41 to eliminate the gaps betweenthe source coils 21 and inner sheaths 24. More specifically, theadhesive layer 41 is provided to coat the side peripheral surface ofsource coils 21 where the signal lines 26 are arranged, those sourcecoils constituting a group of flexible tube section shape detectionelements, and also covers the end portions of the inner sheaths 24 wherethe slit grooves 24 a are formed, through which the signal lines 26 areled out, and the end portion, of the inner sheath 24, where the slitgrooves 24 a are formed through which the signal lines 26 are led in.

The source coils and signal lines arranged on the side peripheralsurface of the source coils are thus integrated and fixed. Moreover, thesignal lines led out or led in from the slit grooves are prevented frombeing exposed, and contact between the signal lines and outer sheathduring assembly or usage is also prevented.

Further, obtaining the integrated structure of a source coil and aninner sheath adjacent thereto makes it possible to avoid buckling in thejoint zone of the source coil and inner sheath.

The above-mentioned tetraetching treatment, which is a pretreatment, isconducted when an adhesive layer 41 is provided. At this time, thetreatment is conducted by setting a certain distance from the endsurface of the inner sheath so as to prevent the hard portion of theadhesive layer 41 from growing longer due to excess build-up of theadhesive. On the other hand, in order to prevent the hard portion ofadhesive layer 41 from getting bigger, after the adhesive coating hasbeen completed, a thermally shrinkable tube is put on and thermallyshrunk, thereby removing the excess adhesive and forming a thin adhesivelayer 41 on the source coils 21. As a result, a parallel configurationin the longitudinal axial direction is obtained and assembling abilitycan be improved. Furthermore, a ventilation channel can be provided byforming a shape such that only part of the external surface of adhesivelayer 41 is brought in contact with the inner peripheral surface of theouter sheath 20.

The number of signal lines passing through the inner sheaths increaseswith the increase in the number of source coils 21. Therefore, forexample, as shown in FIG. 10, the assembling ability is improved bymaking the inner diameter of the inner sheath 24R larger than the innerdiameter of the inner sheath 24L.

The assembling ability can be also improved by constructing the outersheath 20A whose inner diameter changes in a stepwise manner, as shownin FIG. 11.

Furthermore, source coils 21B may be also integrally fixed with signallines 26A, 26B by adhesively fixing so that the direction of the sourcecoil 21B is reversed with respect to that of the above-describedembodiment, and then coating with a thermally shrinkable tube 40, forexample, as shown in FIG. 12. As a result, the number of signal linespassing through the side peripheral surface of source coils isincreased, but connection portions of signal lines fixed with a soldercan be loosened. As a result, contact defects in the contact portion canbe reliably prevented and the endurance of contact portion can beincreased.

The assembly procedure of the above-described insertion shape detectionprobe 1 will be briefly described below.

Step 1: a source coil 21A is passed onto the core wire 23 and adhesivelyfixed in the prescribed position.

Step 2: the inner sheath 24S is passed onto the core wire 23 andarranged close to the prescribed position. A signal line 26A extendingfrom the source coil 21A is passed inside the inner sheath 24S.

Step 3: the inner sheath 24S is now moved for a while in the proximalend direction, and the signal line 26A is wound on the core wire 23.

Step 4: once winding of the signal line 26A has been completed, theinner sheath 24S is again returned to the prescribed position andtentatively fixed therein. Then, the gap between the source coil 21A andinner sheath 24S is covered with the thermally shrinkable tube 40, andan integrally fixed state is obtained. The inner sheath 24S used hereinmay be the one which is provided with two slit grooves 24 a in the endportion thereof.

Step 5: the source coil 21B is then passed onto the core wire 23 andadhesively fixed in the prescribed position.

Step 6: the inner sheath 24S is thereafter passed onto the core wire 23and arranged close to the prescribed position. The signal line 26A thathas been led out from the slit groove 24 a of the inner sheath 24S andthe signal line 26B extending from the source coil 21B are passed insidethe inner sheath 24S.

Step 7: the inner sheath 24S is now moved for a while in the proximalend direction, and the signal lines 26A, 26B are wound on the core wire23.

Step 8: once winding of signal lines 26A, 26B has been completed, theinner sheath 24S is again returned to the prescribed position andtentatively fixed therein. Then, the gap between the source coil 21B andinner sheath 24S is covered with the thermally shrinkable tube 40, andan integrally fixed state is obtained.

Repeating the above-described steps produces a state in which the sourcecoils and inner sheaths up to the source coil 21C and inner sheath 24Lare integrally fixed to the core wire 23.

Step 9: the source coil 21D is then passed onto the core wire 23 andadhesively fixed in the prescribed position.

Step 10: the inner sheath 24L is thereafter passed onto the core wire 23and arranged close to the prescribed position. The signal lines 26A,26B, 26C that were led out from the slit groove 24 a of the inner sheath24S and the signal line 26D extending from the source coil 21D arepassed inside the inner sheath 24L.

Step 11: the inner sheath 24L is now moved for a while in the proximalend direction, and the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26D are wound on thecore wire 23.

Step 12: once winding of signal lines 26A, . . . , 26D has beencompleted, the inner sheath 24L is again returned to the prescribedposition and prefixed therein. Then, the adhesive layer 41 is formed bythe prescribed procedure, the gaps between the source coil 21D and innersheaths 24S, 24L are covered, and an integrally fixed state is obtained.

Repeating the above-described steps produces a state in which the sourcecoils and inner sheaths up to the source coil 21L and inner sheath 24Rare integrally fixed to the core wire 23.

Step 13: here, a conductivity test of signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L ispreformed. If normal conductivity is confirmed, the outer sheath 20 iscoated. At this time, coating is completed without bringing the signallines 26A, . . . , 26L in contact with the outer sheath 20. A distal endpiece 27 is then provided at the distal end of outer sheath 20 to form adistal end side of insertion shape detection probe 1. On the other hand,the proximal end side of insertion shape detection probe 1 is formed byproviding the signal lines 26A, . . . , 26L extending from the outersheath 20 in the prescribed position of connector portion 22.

Finally, inspection is conducted as to whether the shape of insertionshape detection probe 1 is displayed on the screen of observationdevice. Once the inspection has been passed, final inspection as towhether pin holes have been formed in the outer sheath is conducted byinjecting air from the side of connector portion 22. If the inspectionis passed, the product can be shipped.

The structure of adaptor 9 will be described below in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

As shown in FIG. 13, the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 3 of thepresent embodiment is provided with curved section operation knobs 12 a,12 b for bending the insertion portion curved section 11 a in theup-down and left-right directions, an operation button 12 c for passingair and water, an operation button 12 d for suction, and various controlswitches 12 e for controlling the external devices.

A grip portion 12 f formed from a hard resin material such as apolysulfone and designed for gripping is provided at the distal end sideof the operation unit 12. A treatment tool insertion opening 14 forinserting the insertion shape detection probe 1 or an insertion toolsuch as forceps and the like is formed in the side part of the grip 12f. A forceps plug 12 a formed from an elastic material such as asilicone rubber or the like is mounted on the treatment tool insertionopening 14. In the present embodiment, a configuration is employed inwhich the adaptor 9 is detachably mounted on the forceps plug 14 a.

As shown in FIG. 14, the adaptor 9 is composed of an adaptor linkingmember 50 having a tubular shape, a treatment tool integration member 60having a tubular shape, a pressing member 70, and a treatment toolposition changing member 80 having an almost tubular shape.

The adaptor linking member 50 is formed of a resin material so that itcan be detachably mounted on the forceps plug 14 a. The treatment toolintegration member 60 is formed of an elastic material, for example, ofa rubber having elastic properties. An internal thread portion 71 forengagement with the adaptor linking member 50 is formed in the pressingmember 70. The treatment tool position changing member 80 is formed of aresin material.

An adaptor through hole 51 for inserting a treatment tool is formed inthe axial direction in almost the central portion of the adaptor linkingmember 50. A mounting protrusion 52 that can be detachably attached tothe forceps plug 14 a is formed at the distal end portion of the adaptorlinking member 50.

Further, a recess 53 is formed in the center of the proximal end portionof adaptor linking member 50. The treatment tool integration member 60is arranged in the recess 53. For this purpose, the inner diameter ofthe recess 53 is made somewhat larger than the outer diameter oftreatment tool integration member 60.

Further, an external thread portion 54 for engagement with the internalthread portion 71 is formed at the side peripheral surface of theproximal end portion.

A notched portion 55 where the linking member 81 is to be arranged isformed in the prescribed position in the central portion of the sideperipheral part. A mounting orifice 56 for insertion and arrangement ofa pair of protrusions (not shown in the figure) provided at the linkingmember 81 is formed in the notched portion 55.

A through hole for fixing 61, which is to be elastically deformed andbrought in intimate contact with the treatment tool, is formed in theaxial direction in almost the central portion of the treatment toolintegration member 60.

A pressing protrusion portion 72 formed to have the prescribedprojection height dimension and designed to be brought in contact withone surface of the treatment tool integration member 60 is provided inalmost the central portion of the pressing member 70. A pressing memberthrough hole 73 for inserting the treatment tool is formed in the axialdirection in almost the central portion of the pressing member 70,including the pressing protrusion 72.

A changing member through hole 82 for inserting the treatment tool isformed in the axial direction in almost the central portion of thetreatment tool position changing member 80. A mounting protrusion 83that can be detachably mounted on the forceps plug 14 a is formed at thedistal end portion of the treatment tool position changing member 80.

A notched portion 84 (see FIG. 16) formed so that the width dimensionthereof where it is communicated with the changing member through hole82 is almost equal to the diameter dimension of changing member throughhole 82 is formed in the side peripheral surface facing the linkingmember 81.

A reference numeral 85 stands for an escape opening facing the mountingprotrusion 52 of the adaptor linking member 50. The proximal end surfaceof treatment tool position changing member 80 can be brought in contactwith the reference surface at the distal end side of adaptor linkingmember 50.

The installation of adaptor 9 will be described below.

The treatment tool integration member 60 is arranged inside the recess53 of the adaptor linking member 50. In such an arrangement state, theinternal thread portion 71 of the pressing member 70 is engaged with theexternal thread portion 54 of adaptor linking member 50, and the adaptorlinking member 50, treatment tool integration member 60, and pressingmember 70 are integrated. On the other side, the protrusion (not shownin the figures) of linking member 81 of the treatment tool positionchanging member 80 is introduced into the mounting orifice 56 of theadaptor linking member 50.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the adaptor 9 is constructed such thata treatment tool insertion hole is provided for passing the treatmenttool, the treatment tool position changing member 80 is free to rotate,as shown by the arrow, with respect to the adaptor linking member 50,and the length in the axial direction can be two-stepwise changeddepending on whether the treatment tool position changing member 80 isdisposed on the front side of the reference surface on the distal endside of-adaptor linking member 50.

In other words, because the length dimension of the treatment toolposition changing member 80, which is shown by symbol “L” in FIG. 14, isset to the prescribed value, the length dimension of the adaptor 9 inthe axial direction is increased by the dimension L by rotating thetreatment tool position changing member 80 and arranging it in front ofthe reference surface on the distal end side in a state in which themounting protrusion 52 of adaptor linking member 50 is covered with thetreatment tool position changing member 80 as shown by the two-dottedchain line in FIGS. 15 and 16.

Conversely, the length dimension of the adaptor 9 in the axial directioncan be decreased by the L dimension by rotating and removing thetreatment tool position changing member 80 from a state in which thetreatment tool position changing member 80 is arranged on the front sideof the reference surface on the distal end side of adaptor linkingmember 50.

In the assembled state of the adaptor 9 shown in FIG. 15, the distal endsurface of the pressing protrusion 72 of the pressing member 70 abuts onthe end surface of the treatment tool integration member 60. In otherwords, the treatment tool integration member 60 is in a state before apressing is applied by the pressing protrusion 72, and when thetreatment tool is inserted in this state into the treatment tool passinghole of the adaptor 9, the treatment tool will smoothly pass inside thethrough hole for fixing 61 which constitutes the treatment tool passinghole.

By contrast, if the pressing member 70 is rotated and advanced to astate shown by a broken line in FIG. 15, this state being a tightenedstate, the pressing protrusion 72 applies pressure to the end surface oftreatment tool integration member 60. As a result, the treatment toolintegration member 60 is elastically deformed as shown by the brokenline in FIG. 15, and the inner peripheral surface of the through holefor fixing 61 is brought in intimate contact with the periphery of thetreatment tool inserted into the treatment tool passing hole of theadaptor 9.

In other words, the treatment tool integration member 60 is brought inintimate contact and fixed to the treatment tool, and a state is assumedin which the treatment tool is integrated with the adaptor 9 composed ofthe adaptor linking member 50, treatment tool integration member 60, andpressing member 70.

Operation of the adaptor 9 thus constructed will be describedhereinbelow.

First, the mounting protrusion 52 of the adaptor linking member 50constituting the adaptor 9 is introduced into the forceps plug 14 a andarranged therein, as shown in FIG. 17A. As a result, the adaptor 9 isprovided integrally with a forceps plug 14 a mounted on a forceps socket14 b constituting the treatment tool insertion opening 14.

In this state, the shape detection probe 1 is passed via the adaptor 9to the prescribed position in the treatment tool passage channel 15.Once the distal end of shape detection probe 1 has been confirmed toreach the prescribed position of endoscope 3, the pressing member 70 isrotated and advanced as shown by the broken arrow line in FIG. 17B toassume a tightened state. As a result, the treatment tool integrationmember 60 is elastically deformed, the inner peripheral surface of thethrough hole for fixing 61 is brought in intimate contact with theperiphery of shape detection probe 1, and the adaptor 9 and shapedetection probe 1 assume an integrated state.

The adaptor 9 is then moved in the direction shown by a solid arrow linein FIG. 17B. The mounting protrusion 52 is then detached from theforceps plug 14 a, and the treatment tool position changing member 80 isrotated and arranged on the front side of the reference surface on thedistal end side of adaptor linking member 50. The mounting protrusion 83of treatment tool position changing member 80 is thereafter introducedinto the forceps plug 14 a and arranged therein, as shown in FIG. 17C.

As a result, the position of the reference surface on the distal endside of adaptor linking member 50 constituting the adaptor 9 arranged atthe end surface of forceps plug 14 a is pulled back for the L dimensionfrom the end surface of forceps plug 14 a. In other words, the distalend of the shape detection probe 1 integrated with the adaptor 9 ispulled back by the L dimension from the prescribed position of endoscope3 and the arranged state is assumed.

In this state, the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 3 is insertedinto a body cavity, for example, via the anus. At this time, even if theoperation is conducted so as to twist the insertion portion 11 or bendthe insertion portion curved section 11 a, since the shape detectionprobe 1 is integrated with the adaptor 9, the insertion portion 11 isprevented from moving inside the treatment tool passage channel 15.Therefore, the operator can concentrate in the insertion operation.

Thus, constructing the adaptor by providing a treatment tool integrationmember and pressing member at the adaptor linking member that can bedetachably attached to the endoscope forceps opening makes it possibleto integrally fix the adaptor and treatment tool by tightening thepressing member and elastically deforming the treatment tool integrationmember.

As a result, the treatment tool passed into the treatment tool passagechannel is integrally held by the adaptor and movement of the treatmenttool inside the treatment tool passage channel is reliably prevented.Therefore, when the endoscope insertion portion is operated in a statein which the treatment tool is arranged inside the treatment toolpassage channel, the operator can give the undivided attention to theoperation of the endoscope insertion portion, without bothering aboutholding of the treatment tool.

On the other hand, if an operation is conducted when a treatment tool,for example, forceps for biopsy, that was passed through and arranged inthe treatment tool passage channel 15, is protruded when necessary forthe prescribed amount from the endoscope distal end surface, themounting protrusion 83 of the treatment tool position changing member 80constituting the adaptor 9 is fit and arranged in advance in the forcepsplug 14 a provided in the treatment tool insertion opening 14, as shownin FIG. 17C.

In other words, the adaptor 9, in which the treatment tool positionchanging member 80 is arranged on the front side of the referencesurface on the distal end side of adaptor linking member 50, is providedintegrally with the forceps plug 14 a. The forceps for biopsy are thenpassed through the adaptor 9 to the prescribed position in the treatmenttool passage channel and the treatment tool integration member 60 iselastically deformed by rotating the pressing member 70. As a result, astate is assumed in which the adaptor 9 and forceps for biopsy areintegrated.

An endoscope insertion portion 11 is then inserted into a body cavity,for example, through the mouth and the endoscope distal end surface ispositioned opposite the observation zone at the prescribed distancetherefrom. If necessary, the mounting protrusion 83 is then detachedfrom the forceps plug 14 a, the treatment tool position changing member80 is detached by rotation from the front surface of adaptor linkingmember 50, and the mounting protrusion 52 of adaptor linking member 50is fit and arranged in the forceps plug 14 a.

As a result, the distal end of forceps for biopsy which are integratedwith the adaptor 9 is moved for the L dimension to the distal end side.Thus, the distal end of the biopsy forceps is protruded for theprescribed distance and tissue sampling is conducted.

The amount of treatment tool pull-back or protrusion can be set to adesired value by appropriately setting the “L” dimension of thetreatment tool position changing member 80.

Thus, with a configuration in which the treatment tool position changingmember can be appropriately arranged on the front side of the referencesurface on the distal end side of the adaptor linking memberconstituting the adaptor, by selecting whether the treatment toolposition changing member is to be arranged on the front surface side ofthe adaptor linking member, mounting the adaptor on the endoscopeforceps opening, and integrally fixing the treatment tool to theadaptor, it is possible to detach the treatment tool position changingmember from the front surface side of the adaptor linking member orarrange it thereon, thereby making it possible to conduct a protrusionoperation, in which the treatment tool is protruded for the prescribedamount, or a pull-back operation, in which the treatment tool is pulledback for the prescribed amount, in two steps.

In the present embodiment a configuration is described in which thetreatment tool position changing member is rotatably installed on theadaptor linking member. However, the pull-back or protrusion amount canbe changed in three or more steps by forming a plurality of treatmenttool position changing members that differ by the L dimension andemploying a configuration in which they can be superposed. In this case,the treatment tool position changing members that differ by the Ldimension are mounted on the adaptor linking member, for example, with astring-shaped member. As a result, if necessary, the adjustment of thepull-back amount or protrusion amount is easily conducted byappropriately combining and superposing a plurality of treatment toolposition changing members.

In the above-described embodiment of the adaptor, a configuration isused in which when the treatment tool pull-back amount or protrusionamount is changed, the treatment tool position changing member 80constituting the adaptor 9 mounted on the forceps plug 14 a, ifnecessary, is mounted on the front side of the reference surface on thedistal end side of adaptor linking member 50 or detached from the frontside. However, an adaptor 9A may be also constructed such as to conductchanging of the treatment tool pull-back amount or protrusion amount bycausing the treatment tool position changing member to execute slidingmovement in the longitudinal axis direction.

The adaptor 9A with such a configuration is shown in FIG. 18. Thisadaptor 9A is composed of an adaptor linking member 100, a treatmenttool position changing member 110 having a tubular shape, the treatmenttool integration member 60 having a tubular shape, and a pressing member70 with the internal thread portion 71 formed therein. The adaptorlinking member 100 is formed, for example, of a resin material andmounted on the forceps socket 14 b so that it can be attached theretoand detached therefrom. The treatment tool position changing member 110is formed of a resin material and is arranged so that it is free toslide on the outer peripheral surface side of the adaptor linking member100.

The adaptor linking member 100 is composed of a first socket fixingmember 101 in which a through hole 101 a for passing the distal endportion of the forceps socket 14 b is formed in axial direction in thealmost central portion thereof and a second socket fixing member 102 inwhich a through hole 102 a for passing a treatment tool is formed inaxial direction in the almost central portion thereof. The first socketfixing member 101 has an almost U-like cross-sectional shape, with aninternal thread portion 101 b being formed on the inner peripheralsurface of the recess. The second socket fixing member 102 has asubstantially cruciform cross section.

A contact surface 102 c of a distal end side portion 102 b abutting onthe proximal surface of the forceps socket 14 b, and an external threadportion 102 d positioned in the side portion of an intermediate zone forengagement with the internal thread portion 101 b are provided on theprojection on the distal end side of the second socket fixing member102.

Furthermore, a pair of positioning pins 103 are provided in a protrudingcondition in the prescribed positions on the outer peripheral surface ofa large-diameter portion of the second socket fixing member 102. A plugmounting portion 104 of the same shape as the end portion of the forcepssocket 14 b for mounting the forceps plug 14 a is provided on theproximal end of the second socket fixing member 102.

The treatment tool position changing member 110 has a thin elongatedalmost tubular shape. The treatment tool position changing member 110comprises a first recess 111 and a second recess 112. The first recess111 and second recess 112 communicate via a through hole 113 for passinga treatment tool. The adaptor linking member 100 composed of theintegrated first socket fixing member 101 and second socket fixingmember 102 is arranged in the first recess 111. The treatment toolintegration member 60 is arranged in the second recess 112.

A pair of motion-control grooves 114 in which the positioning pins 103are to be arranged are formed so as to be positioned opposite each otherin the side peripheral surface of the first recess 111 of the treatmenttool position changing member 110.

The motion-control groove 114 comprises a motion groove 114 a and aplurality of fitting grooves 114 b. Arranging the positioning pin 103 inthe motion groove 114 a causes the treatment tool position changingmember 110 to slide with respect to the axial direction of the adaptorlinking member 100. On the other hand, arranging the positioning pin 103in the fitting groove 114 b controls the position of the treatment toolposition changing member 110 so that the prescribed position is assumed.The fitting groove 114 b of the present embodiment is composed, forexample, of three fitting grooves, first fitting groove, second fittinggroove, and third fitting groove in a regular order from the open sideof the first recess 111. Spacing between the fitting grooves is set tothe “L1” dimension.

A reference numeral 115 stands for a notched portion communicated withthe first recess 111 where the linking portion 14 c of the forceps plug14 a is positioned. This notched portion 115 is formed in a position atan angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the tangential directionfrom one motion-control groove 114. A reference symbol 116 stands for anexternal thread portion which is to be engaged with the internal threadportion 71 of the pressing member 70. All other structural features arethe same as those of the adaptor 9. The same components are assignedwith the same reference symbols and explanation thereof is omitted.

The installation of adaptor 9A will be described below.

Different from the adaptor 9, the adaptor 9A of the present embodimentis constructed integrally with the treatment tool insertion opening 14.Therefore, first, the adaptor linking member 100 is mounted on theforceps socket 14 b, as shown in FIG. 19A. On the other hand, thetreatment tool integration member 60 is arranged inside the recess 112of the treatment tool position changing member 110. Then, in this state,the internal thread portion 71 of the pressing member 70 is engaged withthe external thread portion 116 of the treatment tool position changingmember 110, and the treatment tool position changing member 110,treatment tool integration member 60, and pressing member 70 areintegrated.

When the adaptor linking member 100 is mounted on the forceps socket 14b, the distal end portion of forceps socket 14 b is passed through thethrough hole 101 a of the first socket fixing member 101, and the distalend portion of the forceps socket 14 b is arranged on the bottom surfaceof the first socket fixing member 101. Then, the external thread portion102 d of the second socket fixing member 102 is engaged with theinternal thread portion 101 b of the first socket fixing member 101. Asa result, the contact surface 102 c of the side portion 102 b on thedistal end abuts on the forceps socket 14 b and a fully engaged state isassumed.

As a consequence, the adaptor linking member 100 composed of the firstsocket fixing member 101 and second socket fixing member 102 is fixed tothe forceps socket 14 b. Further, the forceps plug 14 a is arranged onthe plug mounting portion 104.

Then, the treatment tool position changing member 110 with the treatmenttool integration member 60 and pressing member 70 integrated therewithis advanced toward the adaptor linking member 100, as shown by an arrow.The first recess 111 is then arranged on the outer peripheral side ofthe forceps plug 14 a and second socket fixing member 102. At this time,the positioning pin 103 is arranged inside the motion groove 114 a andthe linking portion 14 c is arranged in the notched portion 115.

In this state, the treatment tool position changing member 110 is causedto slide along the motion groove 114 a, with the positioning pin 103serving as a guide, and the positioning pin 103 is positioned oppositethe first fitting groove 114 b, as shown in FIG. 19B. The treatment toolposition changing member 110 is then slightly rotated as shown by anarrow and the positioning pin 103 is arranged in the fitting groove 114b and assumes a retained state.

As a result, the adaptor 9A assumes a state in which it is mounted onthe forceps socket 14 b. At this time, the distal end surface of thepressing protrusion 72 of the pressing member 70 contacts the endsurface of the treatment tool integration member 60. Therefore, if theinsertion shape detection probe 1 is inserted into the treatment toolpassing hole 9 b of the adaptor 9, the insertion shape detection probe 1smoothly passes through the through hole for fixing 61 constituting thetreatment tool passing hole 9 b.

The pressing member 70 is then rotated and further tightened as shown byan arrow in FIG. 19B. The treatment tool integration member 60 isthereby elastically deformed in the same manner as in the firstembodiment. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the throughhole for fixing 61 is brought in intimate contact with the periphery ofthe insertion shape detection probe 1 that is inserted into thetreatment tool passing hole 9 b. Thus, the insertion shape detectionprobe 1 and adaptor 9A assume an integrated state and positioning can bereliably conducted.

In this state, the treatment tool position changing member 110 is againrotated and moved so that the positioning pin 103 is transferred fromthe fitting groove 114 b to the motion groove 114 a. The treatment toolposition changing member 110 is then caused to slide and pushed into thetreatment tool insertion opening 14, thereby disposing the positioningpin 103 opposite the second insertion groove 114 of the treatment toolposition changing member 110, as shown in FIG. 19C. As a result, theproximal end surface of the pressing member 70 assumes a state to whichit was moved by the dimension of L1.

If then the treatment tool position changing member 110 is slightlymoved and rotated and the positioning pin 103 is arranged in the secondfitting groove 114 b, the proximal end surface of the pressing member 70is retained in the state to which it was moved by the dimension of L1.At this time, the insertion shape detection probe 1 that has beenintegrally fixed by the treatment tool integration member 60 which isintegrated with the treatment tool position changing member 110 is alsomoved through L1 in the distal end direction.

When the treatment tool position changing member 110 is caused to slideand pushed into the treatment tool insertion opening 14, the positioningpin 103 passes through the second fitting groove 114 b of the treatmenttool position changing member 110 and is placed opposite the thirdfitting groove 114 b. As a result, a state is assumed in which theproximal end surface of the pressing member 70 was moved through doubleddimension of L1, as shown in FIG. 19D.

If then the treatment tool position changing member 110 is slightlyrotated and moved and the positioning pin 103 is arranged in the thirdfitting groove 114 b, the proximal end surface of the pressing member 70is retained in the state to which it was moved through doubled dimensionof L1. At this time, the insertion shape detection probe 1, that wasintegrally fixed by the treatment tool integration member 60 which isintegrated with the treatment tool position changing member 110, alsomoves through doubled dimension of L1 in the distal end direction.

In the present embodiment, a movement example is described in which thepositioning pin is first arranged in the first fitting groove and thetreatment tool is pushed forward in the distal end direction in twosteps. However, the positioning pin may be initially arranged in thethird fitting groove and the treatment tool may be moved in two steps inthe proximal end direction, or the positioning pin may be initiallyarranged in the second fitting groove and the treatment tool may bemoved back and forth, one step in each direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, three fitting grooves 114 b areformed in the axial direction. However, the number of fitting grooves114 b is not limited to three and may be more or less than that.

Furthermore, the movement amount of the treatment tool in the distal orproximal end direction can be set to the desired value by appropriatelysetting the L1 dimension which is the spacing between the fittinggrooves.

Thus, the adaptor is constructed such that the treatment tool positionchanging member is free to slide in the axial direction by integratingthe treatment tool position changing member, which has the treatmenttool integration member and pressing member integrated therewith, andthe adaptor linking member that can be mounted on the endoscope forcepsopening so as to be attached thereto and detached therefrom. As aresult, it is possible to move the treatment tool through the prescribeddistance in the desired direction by causing a sliding movement of thetreatment tool position changing member with respect to the adaptorlinking member.

The treatment tool protrusion or pull-back operation is thus conductedby a simple operation of causing a sliding movement of the treatmenttool position changing member in the axial direction. Other functionsand effects are identical to those of the above-described embodiment.

Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention referring tothe accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and thus variouschanges and modifications thereof could be made by one skilled in theart without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

1. An adaptor for endoscope forceps opening comprises: an adaptorlinking member that can be detachably attached to the endoscope forcepsopening communicated with the treatment tool passage channel throughwhich the treatment tool is to be passed; a treatment tool integrationmember which is in tight contact with and fixed to part of the treatmenttool protruding from said endoscope forceps opening; and a treatmenttool position changing member for changing stepwise, together with thetreatment tool integration member, the insertion position of thetreatment tool in a state in which said treatment tool integrationmember is in tight contact therewith.
 2. An adaptor for endoscopeforceps opening comprises: a tubular adaptor linking member having amounting portion that can be detachably attached to an endoscope plugprovided in the endoscope forceps opening through which the treatmenttool is to be passed; a treatment tool integration member having atubular shape and elastic properties and arranged in a prescribedposition of the adaptor linking member, a pressing member arranged sothat it is free to advance and retreat with respect to said adaptorlinking member and used to apply a pressure with a prescribed force tosaid treatment tool integration member for elastic deformation thereof,thereby causing the treatment tool integration member to be brought inintimate contact with and fixed to part of said treatment tool; and atreatment tool position changing member which has a tubular shape,comprises a mounting portion that can be detachably attached to saidforceps plug and a notched portion communicated with the axial throughhole, and is arranged so that it can be detachably attached to thedistal end side of said adaptor linking member.
 3. An adaptor forendoscope forceps opening comprises: an adaptor linking member which canbe detachably attached to a forceps socket constituting the endoscopeforceps opening through which the treatment tool is to be passed and iscomposed of a first socket fixing member arranged on the outerperipheral side of the forceps socket and a second socket fixing memberin which a positioning pin is provided in a protruding condition from aprescribed position on the outer peripheral surface which is integrallyfixed to the first socket fixing member in a state where the secondsocket fixing member is abutted against the distal end side of saidforceps socket; a treatment tool position changing member which isarranged so as to be free to advance and retreat with respect to saidadaptor linking member and has formed therein a motion-control groovethat can move along said positioning pin and can be retained by thepositioning pin; a treatment tool integration member having a tubularshape and elastic properties and arranged in a prescribed position ofthe treatment tool position changing member; and a pressing memberarranged so as to be free to advance and retreat with respect to saidtool position changing member and used to apply a pressure with aprescribed force to said treatment tool integration member for elasticdeformation thereof, thereby causing the treatment tool integrationmember to be brought in intimate contact with and fixed to part of saidtreatment tool.
 4. The adaptor for endoscope forceps opening accordingto claim 1, wherein said treatment tool position changing member isprovided rotatably on said adaptor linking member.
 5. An adaptor for anendoscope forceps opening, the adaptor comprising: an adaptor linkingmember detachably attached to the endoscope forceps opening and incommunication with a treatment tool passage channel through which atreatment tool is to be passed; a treatment tool integration memberwhich engages with a portion of the treatment tool protruding from theendoscope forceps opening to fix a position of the treatment toolrelative to a treatment tool position changing member; and the treatmenttool position changing member for changing the insertion position of thetreatment tool while said treatment tool integration member is engagedwith the treatment tool.